Maruti Suzuki Launching E100 Flex Fuel Car On Environment Day: Nitin Gadkari

India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, will launch a flex-fuel vehicle running entirely on ethanol (E100) during Environment Day celebrations in Delhi. The move aligns with the government’s push to reduce crude oil imports and emissions, as 87% of India’s petrol and diesel are currently imported. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the launch, noting that E100 vehicles require engine modifications due to ethanol’s higher octane rating and corrosive properties. Twelve companies, including Toyota, Tata, Mahindra, and Suzuki, have already introduced flex-fuel vehicles in India, with two-wheelers now also available. Gadkari demonstrated the technology by arriving at an event in a vehicle powered solely by bioethanol, priced at Rs 65 per liter but costing only Rs 25 per liter when accounting for electricity generation during operation. He emphasized the economic and environmental advantages, calling E100 an ‘import substitute, cost-effective, pollution-free, and indigenous’ solution. The government’s new E30 ethanol blending mandate has reignited discussions on alternative fuels, with flex-fuel vehicles positioned as key enablers for broader adoption. Gadkari urged minimizing reliance on petrol, diesel, and gas, stating that farmers are now contributing to energy security by producing bioethanol. The minister also highlighted the success of electric vehicles in India, including scooters, cars, buses, trucks, and even electric tractors, as part of the transition away from fossil fuels. E100 differs from blended ethanol fuels by using pure ethanol, which offers better combustion efficiency in modified engines. However, regular petrol vehicles cannot use E100 without adjustments, as ethanol’s properties differ significantly from conventional fuels. The launch of Maruti Suzuki’s E100 vehicle marks a significant step toward scaling ethanol-based transport solutions in India, supporting both agricultural sectors and environmental goals.